Travelers entering the British Virgin Islands for in excess of 24-hours will still be required to present a negative COVID-19 test despite the territory’s move to cease the mandatory isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts of cases, and contact tracing.
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon Penn made the announcements during a COVID-19 update on Monday.
He said while day-trippers will no longer be required to test prior to entry into the territory, the testing requirement will still remain for all other categories of travelers into the BVI.
“All other travelers over the age of 5, regardless of vaccination status, will have the following entry requirements: present a negative rapid antigen test, or rt-PCR test, taken up to 48 hours before entry. Alternatively, a person may present a document issued by a licensed medical professional certifying COVID-19 recovery within 90 days prior to arrival, in place of a negative test,” Penn stated.
He added, “If unable to present a test result, or a Recovery certificate, the person will be tested upon arrival in the Territory. A person who tests positive on arrival will be required to adhere to Ministry of Health protocols and instructions for COVID-19 positive persons.”
The minister further stated that all travelers entering the BVI will continue to be subject to COVID-19 screening, and anyone exhibiting signs of illness may be tested at the port of entry.
He said the aforementioned entry procedures will be kept under review to determine whether any changes will need to be made in the future.
Mandatory isolation and quarantine to end
Penn also revealed that his ministry will be ceasing all mandatory requirements relating to isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing.
He said, “The Ministry of Health will also be ending all mandatory isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts of cases, and contact tracing. Further guidance for persons who may be COVID-19 positive or potentially exposed to COVID-19 will be issued this week.”